This year saw action films featuring big stars, including Ayushmann Khurrana’s Anek, John Abraham’s Attack, Akshay Kumar’s Bachchhan Paandey and Ranbir Kapoor’s Shamshera, tank at the box office. When we ask experts on what’s wrong and how this can affect the future of the genre, the opinion is varied. Trade analyst Atul Mohan feels, “If a movie is good, it will work, irrespective of the genre. We don’t lack anywhere when it comes to the final product, but maybe, we lack in storytelling compared to films from the South. They tell stories rooted in their culture. But, Bollywood movies have lost their way.”

Actor Angad Bedi, who has featured in action films such as Tiger Zinda Hai (2017) and Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl (2020), says, “We have Pathaan releasing next year and (actor) Salman Khan’s Tiger Zinda Hai 3. I love action films.”

Action director Sham Kaushal says Bollywood has “witnessed a drastic change post Covid-19”. “People refrained from going to theatres in the first half of 2022. The fraternity will get back on its feet and things are positive now.” Having wrapped up the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Dunki, Kaushal adds, “Nobody can predict how a film is going to work. But action movies will always be part of Bollywood.”

Trade analyst Taran Adarsh feels if a few action films don’t work at the box office, it doesn’t mean the future of the genre is in danger. “It (success or failure of a film) all depends on the merit. Let us not blame a genre for it. These are mere phases.”

Action director Ejaz Gulab feels “filmmakers have started roping in a lot of action directors from Hollywood” and that’s not working: “The makers execute only what is told, hence their work lacks the Indian flavour.”

Bedi adds, “We also have great action masters. Hollywood action masters are good for their techniques. But there is a personality that suits Indian people and that can only come from Indian action masters.”